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| <-[[02 Temple of Elemental Evil]]  |  [[04 A Frosty Diversion]] -> |

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====== 03 Crater Ridge Mines ======

//Excerpt from [[Smike]]'s journal://

====== Nov 3: Road rage ======

Sheesh! Loosen one little saddle strap and the guy goes berzerk on you! Can't he take a joke? How was I to know he'd land in those brambles? He should be thankful--they softened the fall off that cliff! Still, he needed to be taken down a peg, anyway. Always preaching...[[Jaanus]] this! [[Jaanus]] that! [[Jaanus]] didn't keep him on his horse!

[[Krulla]]'s debt: 30gp (principal) + 3gp, 77cp (interest).

====== Nov 6: Rastor tomorrow ======

[[Terjon]] says we should finally reach [[Rastor]] tomorrow morning! Thank the Gods, I could use somebody to talk to!

[[Krulla]]'s debt: 30gp (principal) + 15gp, 97cp (interest).

====== Nov 7: Crater Ridge Mines, west gate ======

Toad's knees, I am exhausted! Such a hectic day...I can barely keep my eyes open to write this entry. Where to begin? At the beginning, I suppose. We got into [[Rastor]] early in the morning and did some exploring. It's a hole of a village, worse than [[Hommlet]]! No culture to be found, but that's not very surprising given the orc(!) and dwarf inhabitants. Found out that the [[Temple of All Consumption]] is about six miles southwest, up [[Mount Stalagos]] at some old [[Crater Ridge Mines]].

Had breakfast at a nasty tavern, my eggs were runny and there was grit in my ham! I certainly didn't tip! While we were there [[Amak]] ran into another monk from his order, [[Tyro]]. An interesting fellow, once you get past his appearance. [[Tyro]] is kind of deferential to [[Amak]], but I can't see why. Anyway, [[Amak]] invited him along on our adventure. Hey, the more the merrier! Oh wait, these are monks I'm talking about.

After breakfast we left [[Patrick]] and [[Krulla]]'s mule in the local stables and hiked up to the [[West Gate]] of the [[Crater Ridge Mines]]. Got in a skirmish as soon as we opened the front door: the gnoll guards got all uppity when I asked them where we could find [[Tharzidun]]. Their mistake. But one of them raised the alarm before he fell, bringing in a bunch of humans, an ogre, [[Wormspike]], and a half-drow, [[Mereclar]], riding some kind of spiky, howling beast. Its howl was unnerving! The ogre and half-drow seemed to have it in for dwarves, they went after [[Krulla]] like there wasn't anyone else around. [[Minh]] nearly got himself killed fighting the spiky howler.

We had just polished them off when some zombies shuffled in, surprising me! I sent off a fireball almost instinctively and almost got myself toasted as a result. (I don't mind the missing eyebrows and singed beard, but damn! I wish [[Minh]] hadn't seen that! It's not good for him to see his betters slipping up in their magicks!) The zombies were consumed but there was still a troglodyte cleric to deal with, thankfully. This gave me the opportunity to show [[Minh]] the true power of the arcane arts.

We explored the hall but didn't find much, except a letter in [[Mereclar]]'s quarters.
<div round box>
[[Mereclar]],

The orc tribe southwest of [[Rastor]] at the mountain known as the [[Foot of Gruumsh]] is a likely source of recruits for your efforts. It is an important task you do; remain steadfast in your diligence! The Priests of the [[Outer Fane]] are busy in their search for the [[Champion of Elemental Evil]]. Should we have to interrupt our search because of a lack of attention, it would be most unpleasant for all concerned.

[[Nasquent]]
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I think I'm starting to see how this works: the elemental temples are seeking artifacts as a competition. The champions are undoubtedly promised to have the favour of [[Tharzidun]] once he's raised. I wonder if those artifacts are part of the raising ceremony. I bet they hold all sorts of fascinating magicks. I sure would like to get my hands on one of them!

(That [[Terjon]] is such an ass! I wasn't going to steal that potion, it was just a prank. I would've shared it! He hasn't got enough humor to fill his little finger, let alone his arm!)

We continued to explore to the north and found some mine openings guarded by a few more trogs. They ran and [[Krulla]] and [[Minh]] gave chase like a pair of wolves. They cornered the two trogs and three more in a cave with lots of bones and skulls. I put three of them to sleep to even up the odds (those trogs are tough!) and my companions took out the other two. Before we could do anything else, another trog jumped us! He was a big, nasty looking reptile wielding a huge sword! I took a beating before [[Minh]] and [[Krulla]] but managed to get out of the way so that the others could move in. [[Amak]] was like a whirling dervish! He kept jumping in and out of the brute's reach and even knocked him down! The trog wasn't nearly as fearsome lying prone like that, I almost felt sorry for him. But death is the final challenge! Before he died he used his sword to invoke a spell which shot a barrage of rocks at [[Krulla]]. Some interesting magicks there but I am unable to discover the secret of its operation. There is a brown triangle on the hilt which matches the one at the west gate; it must be the insignia of the [[Earth Temple]].

We've decided to rest now, even though it's early; we're tired and need to recuperate. [[Amak]] and [[Tyro]] will stand guard...what is that racket?

===== 12pm: Disruption =====

Those fool monks are too clever for their own good! I had enflamed some objects to help them see approaching enemies better and they had the "bright" idea to explore further down an unknown passage to place them at a distance. Of course that attracted the attention of our foes, in this case an [[Earth Temple]] trog cleric and an earth elemental. The elemental was solid but slow, the kind of enemy my hack-and-slash friends specialize in. The priest proved more subtle: she was able to counter one of my spells and then cast a wonderful Soften Stone bogging down my party. It's too bad we had to slay her: I wonder if I could've learnt anything of her divine magicks?

Found some interesting stuff on her...I wonder what powers that ring holds? Ah well, it'll have to wait till we get back to town, it's of a nature I don't recognize.

Well, let's try getting some rest again. I hope those monks learned from their last escapade.

===== 8pm: Rested =====

Ah, much better. We think it must be evening now, and we've decided to explore these mines to their depths before turning around and heading south. But first a light breakfast!

[[Krulla]]'s debt: 30gp (principal) + 25gp, 84cp (interest).

====== Nov 8: Travelling north ======

I'm losing all track of time in  these dark caverns! (I think it's before dawn.) I guess I never was made for living underground. The strain appears to be wearing on my companions as well: nerves are getting frayed. Except [[Krulla]], he's as happy as an orc in a mosh pit. He was babbling about killing some trogs he chased down but I'm not sure what the big deal was. We found a book on them but in a tongue nobody could decipher. I think it might be draconic. Maybe we should take it back to [[Rastor]] to get it translated. Maybe after a bit more exploring.

In another room (protected by a dart trap) full of sigils (draconic?) we found a chest with a few goodies in it (magical dagger and ornamental statuette).

We must be on to something...exploring further north (or are we heading east now?) we wandered across a manticore blocking our path. (I must remember to try to discover magicks more effective against flying creatures. Is there a spell that binds them to the earth?) Interesting opponent: its most dangerous weapon appears to be its tail barbs which it can fire over long distances with extreme accuracy. Fortunately, it only has about a dozen of those fully grown at any time and then has to move in for melee combat.

Behind the manticore we found the remains of a less fortunate adventurer: two rings. One of them is a ring of sustenance! I must acquire this item and study the method of its enchantment! I'm wearing it for now but if I don't unlock its secret by the time we cash in our loot I'll have to trade for it.

We must be careful of [[Amak]]. He seems to be getting more unstable. [[Terjon]] confronted him about lying and he got very aggressive! He even threatened me! I wasn't intimidated (of course!) but it just shows how irrational he's becoming that he would challenge me! Some of his behaviour can be attributed to elven dislike of the underground but I'm becoming even more convinced that something happened to him back in the [[Moathouse]]. I'll have to keep a close eye on him. Maybe I can scan his thoughts when his guard is down. (If I understand the powers of this ring of sustenance correctly I can just wait till he's asleep.)

Continuing north/east we trapped an elemental creature, something like an imp, or possibly a mephite. Obviously from the plane of earth. It raised the alarm and three more attacked but we dealt with them. I wonder if the presence of these extra-planar entities are related to [[Tharzidun]]? From what [[Terjon]] has told me the [[Dark Lord]] has been confined to a "prison" plane and is seeking release. I wonder if the way to the prison plane is through the elemental ones? I must learn more about extra-planar activity.

Venturing further east we encountered another strange trog. [[Minh]] was going to try to bluff him until [[Terjon]] got all uppity and "illuminated" the situation, blowing our cover. ([[Terjon]] is challenging [[Krulla]] for the title of party dunce!) His magicks, though only on loan from an entity greater than he, are significant--the spell lit up the cavern as bright as day to reveal a writhing mass of insects (and one aggravated trog). I torched the cave, clearing out the bugs so our "bulls" could charge in. Not that they were very effective against this enemy. He must have been powerful indeed for he managed to restrain me with his unholy magicks for a few seconds before I could break the enchantment, but then [[Terjon]] aided me in vanquishing him.

From a letter (draconic: [[Amak]] read it) we found among his possessions we believe the trog to be [[Uskathoth]]:
<div round box>
Uskathoth -

Trust in the Dark Master to guide you to glory. Just as you molded the [[Earth Temple]] anew from the ashes of [[Garrick]]'s defeat, so too shall your efforts in finding the Champion be rewarded. Service to the Eye demands patience. With patience comes insight.

If I did not find your people worthy I would not have supported your efforts against [[Tessimon]]. Prove yourself here and you will stand beside [[Ogremoch]] himself when we are called to judgement before the [[Elder Elemental Eye]].

[[Hederack]]
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Oh, but I forgot...before that, [[Tyro]] had a little adventure. While I was searching [[Uskathoth]]'s garments [[Tyro]] blundered into a magickal trap, almost freezing him solid! (Wherever did I get the impression that monks are careful and deliberate?) Hopefully, next time he'll learn to wait until I've thoroughly investigated the situation before traipsing into things he has no understanding of.

[[Uskathoth]]'s letter didn't give us any immediate direction so we continued east until we interrupted some strange [[Earth Temple]] trog ritual involving raising a demonic creature (called a Xorn, I believe) straight out of the earth. I didn't like the odds (8 of them versus 6 of us) so I let fly a fireball, incinerating 6 of them, sending the creature fleeing back into the ground, and leaving only the priest on the ziggurat who was raising it.

Fortunately, the explosion attracted some attention so my party still had some opponents to practice their skills on. However, what we didn't expect is for the Xorn to return. It changed the tide of battle and actually gave us quite a little fight. [[Krulla]] bore the brunt of its attacks, strategically placing himself inside the thing's jaws. (Moron.) Meanwhile, the cleric (later discovered his name was [[Snearak]]) proved to be troublesome: he summoned an earth elemental to try and disrupt me, but it was no match for my skills. I was about to pay [[Snearak]] back for his troubles when I saw him fall. He was back-stabbed by a new guy, [[Veelas]], a half-elf.

Can't trust [[Veelas]]. I saw him pocket something he picked up from [[Snearak]]'s corpse. I didn't confront him--I'll investigate later.

For now, we're resting and having an early lunch before we continue on...

...Heard a noise. Seems like we've got an ally here in the Mines. Found disguises and a friendly note (attached):
<div round box>
Brave and mighty heroes,

I have been monitoring your activities in the mines with a keen interest and high hopes. As such, I have made my best efforts to divert unwelcome attention to you. However, your deeds have begun to cause a stir, perhaps you are indeed the means to my redemption?

Be warned: the Temples and Bridges are now at high alert, and descriptions of you are being circulated among the forces that dwell in the mines, --especially of the most conspicuous one of your group. These gifts may assist you in your movements through the complex. Be careful. I have already put myself at great risk and cannot intervene on your behalf nor offer any more help at this time. I will give you what help I can when the opportunity arises and as soon as I become more certain of your motives.

A Friend
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===== 11am: Rested =====

We've convinced [[Terjon]] to put on the disguise so we're going to try con our way deeper into the mines.

===== 3pm: Terjon's bane =====

Oh, that went swimmingly! Only suffered three casualties! I better start from the beginning. We donned the robes and tried sneaking along, only to stumble across a horrible abberant being which didn't much appreciate the interruption. Even as we were dealing with it we were interrupted by guards. [[Veelas]] tried a lame bluff but even the guards saw through it and suddenly we were in combat on two fronts.

Things would have been fine--[[Terjon]] dealt the abberation a felling blow--except that [[Minh]] and [[Krulla]], in their excitement, chased the retreating guards down the corridor and straight into the jaws of a chimera! Unfortunately, I was indisposed by some evil magicks until I managed to break free by sheer force of will. But at that point, we had already lost the fool dwarf (sometimes I don't even know if he's worth the bother).

At this point we were involved in combat on multiple fronts (a poor strategy) when an unimaginable horror (I believe it was a barghest, it shape-shifted into a loathsome wolf-creature) stepped through a magic portal to our dismay. Naturally, a tactical withdrawal was in order. I volunteered to lead our dangerous return passage but my colleagues foolishly chose to fight on against overwhelming odds.

I couldn't leave them so I returned to shift the odds in our favour. I restored [[Krulla]], dispatched some of our more troublesome foes, and led another daring escape (which, again, the idiots rebuffed). When I got back I discovered that the barghest had magickally consumed the soul of our noble brother, [[Terjon]] and was about to inflict the same nightmare on [[Minh]]. [[Terjon]] had given his body and soul to weaken this abomination and, in doing so, saved [[Minh]] from a similar fate: I was now able to destroy the blight with my arrows of light. (I should have gone into poetry like cousin [[Stimmebbon]]...)

We stabilized [[Minh]] and [[Krulla]] (who had collapsed, trying to return to the fray) and prayed for Terjon (Jaanus rest his soul).

Exploring some more we came upon a suspicious passage but [[Veelas]] declared it safe so [[Krulla]] pushed through, only to be killed by a devilish arrow trap. Interesting that [[Veelas]] didn't "notice" that! (Is he trying to eliminate my companions? Be mindful!) At that point we decided we had best return to town to have our party restored.

[[Veelas]] volunteered to scout ahead and (of course!) discovered (or alerted?) a powerful troglodyte cleric directing a large Earth elemental to desecrate the Earth altar. (Apparently they suspect the [[Fire Temple]] of the attack, we should reinforce this misconception.) They were about to sacrifice some innocents so we had to intervene. [[Tyro]] assisted me in eliminating the cleric, but my party were scattered by the elemental. It required all my powers but I was finally able to vanquish that mountainous opponent! (Single-handedly, I might add!)

I was exhausted by the battle so we elected to hole up for the night in [[Veelas]]'s Rope Trick--a wonderful little cantrip, I must learn how he does it! It's a little crowded so we've left [[Krulla]]'s corpse down below.

[[Krulla]]'s debt: 30gp (principal) + 41gp, 81cp (interest).

===== 7pm: Carrion feeder =====

Damn it, I think there's a slime mold eating [[Krulla]]! I better chase it off (if I ever want to get a return on my "investment").

Later: Tenacious little ooze! Invulnerable to almost everything we threw at it! Finally got rid of it but it cost [[Krulla]] his weapon and armour. (No problem: they were tasteless, anyway.)

====== Nov 9: Retreat to Rastor ======

Well, we're finally out of those dank caves! There was some small contingent protecting the [[West Gate]] but I was well rested so they proved no match. We've made it a way's down the mountain pass but it'll be another week before we get back to [[Rastor]]. I hope our "resting" friends don't start to smell. (Fortunately, the weather is quite cool.)

[[Krulla]]'s debt: 30gp (principal) + 67gp, 65cp (interest).

====== Nov 16: Rastor Inn ======

Back in civilization...not! I had forgotten what a nasty little tarpit [[Rastor]] is. It makes our decomposing comrades smell good! Speaking of which, we've struck a deal with the town elder, [[Rarod Hemmerson]]. He has the modest skills to preserve the bodies for a week or two so he'll be accompanying us partway back to [[Hommlet]] and then [[Tyro]] will escort him back to here.

[[Krulla]]'s debt: 30gp (principal) + 1,964gp, 18cp (interest).

====== Nov 21: Spider Eater ======

We encountered a nasty giant wasp-type creature. [[Veelas]] distracted me at a crucial moment and the thing stung, paralyzing me. Afterward, I collected stinger and wing specimens. Could make a good spell ingredient. 

====== Dec 1: Sans Tyro ======

[[Tyro]] has left with [[Rarod Hemmerson | Rarod]], after he preserved our fallen companions one more time. That should last them till we get back to [[Hommlet]]. [[Tyro]] will meet us there.

====== Dec 8: Hommlet ======

Bad luck for [[Minh]]! We just got him raised from the dead and now he's been arrested for murder! Apparently he's supposed to have killed the local woodcutter, a bloke called [[Tarem]]. Amazing he should be able to do that, being dead and all. But of course the local constabulary wouldn't listen to me. We'll have our day in court tomorrow. If that means anything. I trust these big folk about as far as I can throw them.

We gathered some intelligence for the trial: it looks like the woodcutter's wife is sharing secrets with the weaver ([[Monyeur]]). Also, [[Krulla]] learned that the stonemason added a secret passage into [[Burn's Keep]] (in case we need to get [[Minh]] out of the hands of these rascals).

We also met with the [[Cannoness]] who confirmed some things I had already suspected: the elemental churches are seeking champions worthy to use the artifacts which are presumably involved in the ceremony to raise [[Tharzidun]]. Also, apparently [[Lareth]] the Beautiful lives even now. The draconic book we found tells that he was slain, resurrected, and is now living in [[Nulb]] of all places. Well, he can just keep his spellbook--I won't be going back there anytime soon!

One other weird occurrence: we went to check on our goods only to discover that the magickal sword we took from the [[Earth Temple]] had dissolved into sand. Perhaps the magick couldn't be contained away from the temple. Too bad, that thing would have been very lucrative. It could have easily paid the tribute to have [[Krulla]] and [[Minh]] raised, anyway.

[[Krulla]]'s debt: 187gp, 41cp (principal) + 77,787,420gp, 49cp (interest). (Loaned him 157gp, 41cp for Restoration and to buy breastplate.) I think he's officially indentured!

====== Dec 9: Minh's Trial ======

[[Minh]]'s trial did not go well. [[Rufus]] judged that either [[Minh]] was acting under the influence of a foreign agent or he has a doppelganger. Either way, he ordered him locked up until the mystery is solved. Hopefully the doppelganger will make a mistake and put in an appearance but I have my doubts. In the meantime, I don't see that there's anything we can do for him except to expose and discredit [[Tharzidun]]'s minions.

[[Veelas]] apparently has an interesting past! He was attacked by a stranger, who as it happens, turns out to be his betrothed! It seems [[Veelas]] snuck off (ho! ho!) so [[Thacia]] chased him down. She's a little narrow-minded but I've met worse. Won't let [[Veelas]] out of her site. Can't blame her, really. The cad might just scamper off again! Ha!

====== Dec 21: Leaving Hommlet ======

We've been in [[Hommlet]] for weeks now, just resting up and collecting information. Some tidbits: a few travellers have seen unfriendly folk dressed up in ochre robes on the west road. Heading to the [[Temple of All Consumption]], likely. We went out on the road for a few days to investigate but didn't see any of them ourselves. We also heard from the scroll dealer that a fellow called [[Joman Dart]] at the trading post is shifty.

It's been relaxing but as nothing has developed in [[Minh]]'s case and we can't do any good for him here I've told my crew to pack up and get ready to ship out tomorrow. We're going back to the [[Temple of All Consumption]] to investigate further.

====== Dec 22: On the west road ======

It's good to be on the road again even if the weather isn't cooperating. It's been wet and windy today. I don't expect it to get much better. I'll be alright but I feel bad for those whose skills in sorcery aren't as well developed--[[Veelas]] will suffer a cold night tonight...especially since he had a lover's spat with [[Thacia]] this afternoon. The poor fool. (I like that girl. Not much upstairs but good, simple honesty. Unfortunately, she's more opinionated than [[Krulla]]--and less...pliable.) 

====== Jan 14: Stocking up in Rastor ======

Ahh, I missed that unique [[Rastor]] perfume. Not! Gods, it stinks of orc. Ah well, we'll be off soon after lunch, once we've stocked up on supplies.

====== Jan 16: South gate ======

I've advised our party to approach the [[South Gate]] of the [[Temple of All Consumption]] this time, the [[West Gate]] is sure to be fortified. We're close to the gate now, so we've stopped for lunch before we continue. I don't expect too much resistance.

===== 3pm: We're in =====

We met some light resistence but in all my judgement proved sound. We defeated one [[Kelliel]] (named by a guard [[Tyro]] captured) who serves the leaders of the [[Air Temple]], [[Fachish]] and [[Choranth]]. My comrades are now searching for more clues while I jot these notes. We plan to burn out the remains to implicate the [[Fire Temple]] again.

===== 7pm: Ghost! =====

Damned ghosts! If they are so removed from this plane of existence how can they inflict so much harm? We were exploring down the east hall when we encountered it. [[Thacia]] was unable to turn it so we beat a hasty retreat...all except [[Tyro]]--the fool monk ran further down the hall into the unknown. Ended up getting attacked by gargoyles but we were able to regroup, evade the ghost, and destroy the gargoyles.

There we found a dwarf calling himself [[Harchol]] chained to the wall--presumably food for the gargoyles. We escorted him to the gate and released him there. Don't want to be encumbered with amateurs when we bring this place down. We're going to rest for a bit now to refresh for our next encounter.

====== Jan 17: Air Temple ======

On waking we decided to explore due north from the [[South Gate]]. Went up a spiral staircase and continued west. Found [[Fachish]], the leader of the [[Air Temple]] locked in his quarters. He was ready for us and I'm not sure what happened after we broke the door down but [[Amak]] says we were acting irrationally. Fortunately [[Amak]] dispatched the foul cleric. In his room we found an Air key and the following papers:
<div round box>
I recently confirmed the fact the [[Air Temple]] and some surrounding areas even are existing in what was once a Dwarven living area. No double the same Dwarves who created many of these tunnels.

A scroll found recently indicates that the dwarves secreted a fabulous diamond called [[Tulian's Eye]] in this area somewhere. Finding it would greatly improve our finances, increase our status and allow us to higher more guards. 

[[Air Temple]] - Personnel
  * [[Fachish]], high priest
  * [[Choranth]], assistant to high priest
  * [[Graud]], half-orc barbarian, leader of the gaurd [[[Choranth]] lover, keep an eye on this situation]
  * [[Kellial]], high priest, second in command. Must give [[Kellial]] [[Sword of Air]] soon. Prepare ceremony. 

[[Fire Temple]]
  * [[Tessimon]], leader of Fire Temple 

[[Earth Temple]]

[[Water Temple]]

Wars between the temples still continue, although not overtly. I fear our [[Air Temple]] may be the lowliest of the the temples within the crater ridge mines. Means need to be found to strengthen our position.

[[Outer Fane]] can only be entered by someone with the blessing of the greater key and a different key exists for each door. Our duty is to protect the two lesser keys.

While I revere and fear the [[Elder Elemental Eye]] I have recently been in contact with an entity of pure Air that goes by the name [[Yan-C-Bin]]. Sacrifice and worship of this powerful lord could increase my power immensely.
</div>

So our goals are coming into focus: first, we should find this [[Tulian's Eye]]. No sense burying the riches with the fallen, I always say. Next, we need to figure out how the two lesser keys will help us get a greater key so that we can enter this [[Outer Fane]].

After this encounter the party hit some horrid luck. [[Choranth]], the high priest's assistant, caught us off guard and was able to deviously Silence me. (I must learn to invoke my magicks even under such difficult conditions!) My comrades fought hard but I could see there would be no victory without me so I did the only thing that could save the day--I brought [[Choranth]]'s spell back on her! I discharged my invisibility wand so that I was now virtually undetectable and then, at great personal risk, closed in on [[Choranth]]. Knowing that Silence affects a region around the victim I was able to effectively disrupt her own spellcasting ability!

Even with this magnificent tactical maneuver my friends were severely disadvantaged without my guidance. We would have lost both [[Tyro]] and [[Krulla]] but for my aid. I was able to move around and restore them as they fell. [[Thacia]] helped to some degree by felling the bloodthirsty half-orc barbarian, [[Graud]]. Poor [[Veelas]] lost his nerve entirely and had to resort to wands.

The encounter seemed to have a demoralizing effect on [[Krulla]] but he picked up again after spending 10 minutes bashing and eventually destroying the Air altar. It must have had some powerful enchantments--on cracking the entire chamber collapsed around us and we barely escaped unscathed. It also seems to have had the effect of erasing from (our) existence the artifacts we discovered (a trumpet and censure).

The monks are out exploring briefly while the others rest up.

====== Jan 18: Lilac Masks ======

Quite a hubbub when I awoke this morning. Apparently our friend left a calling card:
<div round box>
Friends,

Your return gladdens my heart. Your triumph over the [[Air Temple]] dares me to hope that redemption draws near. It has certainly disrupted the balance of power in the [[Crater Ridge Mines]], and open war between the [[Fire Temple]] and [[Water Temple]] may yet break out. There are those who believe you are acting on behalf of either the Fire or Water Temple, but my heart tells me this is not so. It may be something you can exploit to reduce the perils you now face.

Beware! You are in grave danger. The [[Temple of All Consumption]] is at high alert. The [[Lilac Masks]] hunt--I fear it is certain that at least one of you shall perish. I cannot do anything to prevent this, save offer these meager gifts and pray that I am wrong. Unfortunately, past history has shown me the fate of their quarry too many times to offer much optimism.

Still, I remain hopeful, and always,

A friend.
</div>

He (or she) also left some presents: a potion of healing and an embalming oil. Obviously our friend doesn't appreciate our strength.

We're going to search this area after breakfast. It would really help if we could find that diamond--[[Tulian's Eye]]. Another interesting tidbit: [[Amak]] was toying with the two lesser [[Air Temple]] keys and tapped them together whereupon they fused! The effect was temporary but could this be one of the greater keys? Perhaps, perhaps not.

===== 7am: Assassins =====

[[Tyro]] was just attacked by mysterious assailants! He was searching with [[Krulla]] when somebody or something silently tried to slit his throat! Fortunately, they missed his artery but it was a very close thing. [[Krulla]] said he didn't see a thing. Not that you can make too much of his observation skills but likely this attempted murderer was protected from discovery by some magicks. Obviously they were these [[Lilac Masks]] we were warned about as they left a signature: a lilac flower dipped in blood. We must be more careful in the future!

===== 9am: Murder! =====

The murderers! I can't believe it! Even [[Thacia]]! Continuing westward, we had a small skirmish with a hydra. Beyond that we found a tribe of one or two dozen orcs at the top of a spiral stairs. In the ensuing combat the male warriors were killed leaving only the women and children. And my associates...(it is too horrible to relate, my quill shakes as a scribe this!)...are going to slaughter them in cold-blood! I would have no part of it so I came back downstairs to rethink my connection to these brutes. I can hear the screams as I wr... 

(Here [[Smike]]'s journal ends abruptly.)